University of Applied Sciences in Computer Science: New Degree Program at FHNW Combines Sports, Data, and AI
12.03.2026 | from University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northweste
Reading time: 4 minutes
Image rights: Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz
12.03.2026, Tracking, wearables, and artificial intelligence are fundamentally changing sports. With the new degree program ‘Data Science & AI for Sports,’ the FHNW School of Computer Science positions itself in a growing future field, educating specialists who translate data into measurable performance. The flexible study model also allows combining studies with competitive sports.
Sport has long been a high-tech field: sensors, video analysis, and performance metrics generate large datasets. Significant impact, however, only arises when these data are correctly interpreted and translated into decisions – be it in game analysis, training management, or rehabilitation. This is precisely where the new degree program comes into play.
'Football today generates enormous amounts of data. The real added value, however, only arises in the dialogue between data science experts and sports professionals. This dialogue is central and is enabled by this degree program – graduates should ready sports organisations for the use of AI,' says Thomas Bernhard, Athletic Coach of the U21 national team at the Swiss Football Association.
Practical Competence Profile for Sports Analytics and AI Applications
In the degree program Data Science & AI for Sports, students acquire solid skills in programming, statistics, data analysis, and machine learning, specialising in sports-related applications, including: - Performance diagnostics, athlete development and selection for clubs and associations.
- Automated analysis of qualitative information using AI for sports psychologists.
- Use of wearables for personalised preventive medicine.
- Data-based analytics and business insights for sports managers.
'We combine state-of-the-art data science and AI skills with a field of application that excites many people. At the same time, our study model is structured in such a way that diverse life realities are accommodated. This makes it particularly attractive for students in competitive sports, in employment, or with other commitments,' says Martin Rumo, program director at the FHNW School of Computer Science.
The added value of sports data becomes evident in concrete game situations. In tennis, for example, video and positional data can be used to analyse under what conditions points are won – such as how net attacks or running paths affect the probability of success depending on the opponent. Algorithms identify patterns across thousands of rallies and provide data-driven recommendations. Such issues exemplify the interplay of sports, data, and artificial intelligence.
Flexible Study - Also Alongside Training, Competition, or Job
The Data Science & Artificial Intelligence degree program is flexible and individualized and can be completed full-time or part-time. It focuses on few fixed compulsory dates, varied learning paths, and a coaching program that supports students in learning organization and development.
Graduates qualify for roles such as Sports Data Analyst, Sports Data Engineer, Rehabilitation Data Analyst, or Business Strategy Analyst in the sports sector. As the acquired data science and AI skills are applicable across industries, perspectives also open up outside sports, including in health, industry, energy, mobility, or finance.
The demand for data science and AI skills is growing strongly across industries. With 'Data Science & AI for Sports,' the FHNW School of Computer Science strengthens its profile in a growth field relevant to the future.
The degree program starts in the autumn semester of 2026 at the FHNW School of Computer Science in Brugg-Windisch.
Media Contact
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
FHNW
School of Computer Science
Christian Weber
Head of Operations
T 056 202 78 37
christianpeter.weber@fhnw.ch
FHNW School of Computer Science The School of Computer Science at FHNW in Brugg-Windisch, with its three institutes and more than 150 experts, offers flexible study models with personal supervision and strong industry partnerships, possessing extensive and profound expertise in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, digitalization, security, and other fields. In applied research and development, it cooperates with companies in developing innovative products and projects.
Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz
Conclusion of this article: « University of Applied Sciences in Computer Science: New Degree Program at FHNW Combines Sports, Data, and AI »
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northweste
The University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW comprises ten schools with the fields of Applied Psychology, Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics, Design and Art, Computer Science, Life Sciences, Music, Teacher Education, Social Work, Technology and Environment, and Business. The FHNW campuses are located in the four sponsoring cantons of Aargau, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, and Solothurn.
Around 14,500 students are enrolled at FHNW. More than 1,300 lecturers impart practical and market-oriented knowledge in 34 Bachelor’s and 24 Master’s degree programs, as well as in numerous continuing education offerings. Graduates of FHNW are sought-after professionals.
Note: The "About Us" text is taken from public sources or from the company profile on HELP.ch.
Source: University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northweste, Press release
Original article published on: Hochschule für Informatik: Neue Studienrichtung der FHNW verbindet Sport, Daten und KI